Need help looking for a job? Tired of hearing silence when you apply on-line? RightChanges Job Search Coach offers tips on how to find a job in this market and how to stand out from your competition. These tips apply whether you are unemployed, misemployed, new graduate, or re-entering the job market.

Friday, January 27, 2012

There have been numerous news stories about companies who advertise that unemployed people need not apply for any of the open positions within their company. These companies have two reasons for feeling that the unemployed do not make good candidates.

One reason companies do not want the unemployed to apply is that they feel that those who have not been able to find a job must be un-hirable. That is where the companies are wrong. Many highly skilled and accomplished people are in job transitions and in this job market it takes longer to land a job. Companies are missing out on highly qualified candidates if they exclude the unemployed in favor of passive (employed but looking) candidates.

The second reason companies do not want to hire people who are currently unemployed is partially valid. The concern on the part of many companies is that people who have been in a job search for a while may have let their skills atrophy and are starting to fall behind in their industry knowledge.

It does not take long for people to start to forget how to use software or how to perform tasks. With the pace of change in today’s world, it is easy to fall behind unless intentional actions are taken to stay on top of these changes.

Job seekers have to be intentional about keeping their skills sharp and their knowledge of their industry current. If you are a job seeker and have not taken a class in the past three months to maintain or increase your skills, then begin a class TODAY! It does not always cost a lot of money to do so.

First, identify what class or classes will increase your marketability. Look at the job descriptions for the position you are pursuing and, of the required skills, identify where you are the weakest. Look at the software requirements and determine which ones you do not have or software skills you need to renew.

Using your favorite internet search engine, type in the words “free training” and then the subject you want to learn (example “Microsoft Excel”). You will get millions (no exaggeration) of free courses on the topic you entered.

If you want to practice using new software, you may be able to get a free trial copy of it. Again type “free trial copy” and the name of the software you want to learn. These are not demo copies but full feature versions that expire after a period of time (30, 60, or 90 days). Make the most of the time you have to sharpen or develop your skills. Note: You can even get a free trial copy of MS Office 2010. Before loading the trial copy, be sure you have the disks and key for the version you currently have so you can reload it after the 2010 version expires.

To stay current on your industry, read trade publications, business news (like the Biz Journal), and attend industry networking organizations. Industry networking organizations are also a good place to find out about the hidden jobs (those not posted anywhere on-line).

In addition to feeling a sense of accomplishment and that you are taking control of your future, taking classes and attending industry events also gives you a great response when asked the question “what have you done since your last job?” Companies like people who proactively keep their skills and industry knowledge current.

Now a note to companies: Times have changed. There are many highly qualified people who are in a job transition. Wake up or you could lose the best candidates to companies who realize there is a new job market. Many highly qualified and hirable people are and will be in transition. You may be one of them one day.

Other Tips

In this competitive market, every little trick helps. RightChangesJobSearchCoach.blogspot.com will give a tip for job seekers each week.
Name Badge
Use an experienced salesperson’s tip. Wear your name tag on the right so your name is in the line of sight of the people you shake hands with, making it easier for them to remember your name.

Body LanguageExcuse me - What did your body language say again? Over 80% of communication is non verbal. It is essential for you to know how to read your contact’s and interviewer’s body language so you can judge the effect of what you are saying verbally. It is also essential for you to control your own body language. The following are some brief tips.

1) Leaning forward shows interest.
2) Eye contact establishes trust with the other person.
3) Do not cross anything (arms, legs, etc.). Crossing indicates you are closed to or guarding against the person or what is being said.
4) Keep your hands within sight to show you are not hiding anything. Did you know that shaking hands started as a way to show you are not carrying a weapon?

Read more on body language and see if you may be saying one thing and your body another. The library, the web, and discount bookstores have a lot on this topic.

Do Something for Yourself

You are looking for a job so money is tight or you are budgeting more closely than ever before. This tip may seem counterintuitive but it is worth every penny. The tip: Do something for yourself that would make you proud! Whether it is to lose weight, take classes, splurge on a new interview suit or jacket, get a new hair cut or color the grey, or get new more contemporary glasses, just do it! Your self confidence level will increase. You may even meet a great networking connection that way.

This does not need to cost a lot. There are less expensive, money saving options too.

Classes: The state has programs that will cover the cost of training. Some colleges let people audit classes for free and there are links for free on-line courses. Libraries and other organizations offer seminars. During an interview, when you are asked what you have been doing since you were laid off, they will see that you have continued to develop yourself and expand your interests.

Instead of the gym: If you want to lose weight but cannot afford a gym membership, then walk the mall 1 hour non-stop several times a week. You don’t have to be an early riser either; you can find mall walkers at all hours. Check with your favorite malls. In some malls, the anchor stores close later than the other stores, so you can walk the mall without the crowds.

Eyeglasses: Several eye glass stores have "two for one" specials. Go in halves with someone on the cost.

New Interview Suit or jacket: Now is the time to shop. The stores are already marking down clothes for the new season. Watch the paper for additional discounts and coupons. Go on the web and see if the store has on-line coupons available there. You would be amazed at the savings.

You don't need to spend a lot but do something just for you that you are proud of and enjoy it!

Read Who Moved My Chesse and the Prayer of JabezCheese and Jabez: Change is hard and being on the job market is one of the most stressful changes in a person’s life. RightChanges asks every client to (re)read Who Moved My Cheese. It can be read in less than one hour and has a great message on accepting change.

Another recommended book is the Prayer of Jabez. It is based on a single verse in the Bible and reminds us that God has a storehouse of blessings for us; we just have to ask. Check these out at your local library.